Today we’d like to introduce you to Victoria Shahbaz.
Hi Victoria, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was first introduced to SEED Miami – SoFl first and only tuition free boarding school serving children who most need a 24-hour learning environment – through Nancy Hector, one of the school’s most generous supporters and a fellow board member. Over time, I’ve had the privilege of partnering with SEED on several fun and meaningful initiatives—from back-to-school events to their signature fundraiser, the Legacy Ceremony alongside Miami Heat’s Bam Adebayo. Together with Brightline, we’ve created memorable experiences for students, including a senior class trip to Walt Disney World, and through partnerships with City Furniture and Bam Adebayo, we helped secure more than 300 new beds for the dorms. Each collaboration has deepened my admiration for SEED’s mission and the incredible community behind it.
I’m also proud to continue supporting SEED Miami by helping raise awareness and rally support for Give Miami Day on November 20th—a powerful opportunity to invest in their life-changing work.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I think that’s what makes SEED Miami’s story so special. For me, one of the hardest parts has been seeing the daily challenges our students face—many are the first in their families to go to college and are working so hard to break cycles and change their futures. Balancing all the layers of support they need—academic, emotional, and social—takes an incredible amount of commitment from the SEED team. There have also been moments where resources felt stretched thin, and we had to get creative to make things happen. But those moments have also shown me the power of community. Watching students grow, graduate, and come back to inspire the next generation makes every challenge worth it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
For me, the most important quality has been perseverance rooted in heart. I’ve learned that success isn’t just about what you achieve—it’s about how you show up for others along the way. I try to lead with empathy, consistency, and a genuine desire to make a difference, whether that’s in my work, my family, or through my role with SEED Miami. I like to think of myself as a “Joy Dealer”—someone who brings light, positivity, and purpose into every space I’m in. There have been moments when the road wasn’t easy, but staying true to my values and spreading joy, even in the toughest times, has always guided me forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.miami.seedschool.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seedmiami/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SEEDSchoolMiami
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-seed-school-of-miami
